Published in Network

FCC allows 6GHz band for wireless devices

by on20 October 2023


But only if they have very low power

The FCC has unanimously approved plans by several tech companies to use the 6GHz band for wireless devices. 

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel proposed the new rules, which would authorise very low power (VLP) operations -- meaning their signals won't be able to go very far -- in about 850MHz of the spectrum.

The rules will also allow devices to "use higher power levels" so long as they're geofenced to keep from interfering with licensed 6GHz usage, and the FCC will be taking comments on other ways it can expand 6GHz spectrum usage by technology devices.

This could enable in-car connections, mobile virtual or augmented reality devices, and more. The FCC originally opened 1,200MHz of the 6GHz spectrum for unlicensed use by Wi-Fi routers and client devices (think smartphones or laptops), giving home networks far more wireless overhead than existing Wi-Fi standards already had.

This new approval expands the spectrum for much more general use.

Last modified on 20 October 2023
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